YouTube training sessions and taking his chances: Louis Jones on adapting for Doncaster Rovers

Louis Jones has been handed the gloves for Doncaster Rovers’ break from league action but he has unexpectedly also taken on another responsibility.
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“I think I’m the keeper coach at the minute,” he told the Free Press.

Like manager Darren Moore, goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard is in the middle of a 14-day period of self-isolation after coming into contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19.

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And with Rovers’ senior squad operating in a bubble due to coronavirus guidelines, the group is short of coaching staff, meaning Jones has needed to think on his feet to ensure he is prepared for Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s.

Louis JonesLouis Jones
Louis Jones

“Joe [Bursik] has gone away with England so there’s just me and Ben Bottomley,” he said.

“I just had a quick look on YouTube for some sessions we could do. It’s difficult.

“We train every day so you’d think I’d have rough sessions in my mind to just whip something up. It’s not easy. So I’ve been on YouTube.

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“We just did some handling today and we’ll go again. All we can do is wait until Gez is back in and do what we can.”

Thorne-born Jones impressed during Saturday’s FA Cup first round triumph over FC United of Manchester and will look to further catch the eye against the young Wolves side as he pushes for more regular starts.“I was told I’d be playing mainly in the cup games but it was in my hands to prove to them that I am capable of taking that number one shirt at any point in the season,” he said.

“We’re still working towards that.

“I think in the long term they’re wanting me to be there next season and spot on ready to go.

“All I can do is just keep working and playing in these games is only going to improve me.”

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Rovers must beat Wolves U21s to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

“They’ll be a good side, a good standard,” Jones said.

“It’s an important match to decide the group. They’ll have good quality as well.

“I think for us as professionals, you treat every game the same and you want to win every one.

“I relish every game that comes my way and I appreciate them.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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